Preventing fires before they start is key to keeping every shipbuilder and the ships we build safe. This is especially critical in areas where hot work is being done.
Creating a zero compromise culture around fires, injury to our team, or damage to our ships is vital and a responsibility we each share.
Work smart before you start.
Before hot work can be performed, the space or area where the hot work is to be done — and all nearby spaces — must be visually inspected. Hot work can only be done in or on those spaces that are designated “Safe for Hot Work.”
Before beginning hot work, make each step below is followed:
- Recognize — Determine if fire risks exist before hot work is started
- Check all nearby areas, including above deck, below deck and under false decks, for hazard
- Know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher
- Evaluate — Determine if hazards are present, especially hazards that could fuel a fire (e.g., flammable and combustible liquids or gasses, simple combustibles)
- Combustibles must be at least 35 ft. away
- Flammables must be at least 50 ft. away
- If combustibles cannot be removed, they must be covered with a fire cloth
- Control — Take appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize the hazard
- Torch lines may never be left unattended in a confined space and may not be left unattended for more than 15 minutes in an enclosed space
- Disconnect all oxygen and fuel lines at the end of the shift and store them in the open air
- Protect yourself by wearing appropriate PPE:
- Hard hat
- All leather-top steel toed boots at least six-inches high
- Welding shield with the appropriate shade lens
- Burning goggles with the appropriate shade lens and safety glasses with side shields (for burners, heaters and brazers)
- Safety glasses with side shields under welding shield (NOTE: Welders must wear reduction safety glasses)
- Long sleeve shirts made of natural fabrics, NOMEX® or other heat resistant fiber
- Trousers or coveralls made of natural fabrics, NOMEX® or other heat resistant fiber
- Gauntlet (or longer) welding gloves made of natural fabrics, NOMEX® or other heat resistant material
- Leather sleeves, jackets or welding chaps as required
- Hearing protection
- Respiratory protection (for welders and gougers)
In the event of a burn:
DO NOT attempt self-treatment
Report to the hospital IMMEDIATELY
For severe burns, call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 24/7 by dialing 911 from any company landline phone or 935-6101 from any cell phone
Zero fires. Zero injuries. Zero damages. Zero compromise.